Chapter 2: The Dinner
Selphie sighed as she walked over to see who it was. She was absolutely positive it was Irvine trying to win her back. She wanted to talk to him. She wanted to work things out. She did really love him. If he can change, she can forgive him. She smiled as she stood in front of the bed ready to talk to him calmly.
"Squall!"
Squall moaned as he woke up. He had fallen asleep waiting for Selphie. He just needed a friend, someone who knew what he was going through. He looked at Selphie hoping she understood why he was there. He didn't really mean to break into her room. It was just that Rinoa and Zell were everywhere; he didn't really have any other place to go. Plus she told him all he had to do was ask for her help.
"You should have knocked first," Selphie said as she sat down next to him. She was relieved that it wasn't who she thought it was. She smiled at him. She wanted to see him again. She wanted to hear his voice and touch his skin.
"I did, I thought you were gone," Squall stated. He wanted to cry. He just wanted to let go of all the pain that was swelling up inside him. He looked at Selphie. His look was apologizing for entering her room without permission.
"What do you want?"
"I just need someone to talk to."
"Well, okay talk."
"I was right she was cheating on me with my best friend."
"I know she told me. She feels horrible. She does love you"
"I know she does. That is why you have to help me win back her heart."
Selphie looked into his eyes. She saw a rare side of Squall at that moment. He was so soft and sad. She just wanted to reach out and touch him. She wanted to feel the love he had for Rinoa. She wanted someone to love her that way. She wanted him to love her that way. She knew she could never have him though. She would only betray everyone that she held dear. They were two of a kind in a bizarre way. They both were going through the same thing.
"Please Selph," Squall pleaded. "I'll do anything to repay you." He was kneeling down in front of her begging. He would do whatever it took to get Rinoa back. He wasn't going to let her walk out of his life. He knew the only person that knew Rinoa well enough to help him was Selphie.
"Fine," Selphie said as she stood up and walked to her closet. At least she would be able to keep her mind off Irvine if she helped Squall. She was just afraid that the little crush she had on him might turn into something more and she would just be breaking her own heart again. She wasn't sure if she could handle another heart break. She grabbed her favorite orange dress and walked to the bathroom. She was going to have a very busy day ahead of her now.
As she changed, she thought of what she could do to help Squall. She didn't understand why Rinoa didn't love him. Selphie knew that Rinoa was a helpless romantic, so maybe a candle lit dinner on the garden's second floor balcony would work out. She would have to find a way to get the food there without it cooling down. She also that a picnic would be a good idea, Selphie could arrange a special rendezvous at the beach while the sunset. She could make a picnic basket and send them both anonymous invitations. They would meet there and the sparks would fly. Well, it was the only plan she had at the moment. It would just have to do for now.
Selphie walked out of her bathroom humming her favorite song. She didn't know why, but it always got stuck in her head. She couldn't help but think the lyrics related to someone in her life, someone like Squall.
He
drowns in his dreams
An exquisite extreme I know
He's as dumb
as he seems
And more heaven than a heart could hold
And if I
try to save him
My whole world could cave in
It just ain't
right
It just ain't right
Squall looked at Selphie hoping she knew how to salvage his relationship. He didn't know what Rinoa meant by him not being there enough for her. He had practically died for her. All of their friends have. He smiled at her waiting for her to tell him the master plan. He knew she would help him.
"Go back to your room and try not to get too emotional. I am working on an idea and I'll let you know when the time is right." Selphie said, "You have to be more open to what Rinoa says. Even if you're not interested, you have to act interested. She wants a man she can lean on for support. Like you lean on Rinoa for strength, she needs to be able to lean on you. Also it wouldn't be a bad idea to surprise her with gifts every now and then. Every girl likes jewelry, candy, and flowers. You being a SeeD have money that you don't know how to spend anyways.
Squall listened to every word Selphie said. He would have token notes if he had a pen and pencil. It was vital information. It was like his briefings right before a major mission. He knew it was crucial to remember what she was saying. His only problem was, as soon as she finished talking, he forgot what she said. He sighed knowing he was helpless. Selphie shouldn't even try helping him.
"Squall are you listen to me!" Selphie screamed when she noticed he was deep into his own thoughts. Now she knew how Quistis felt. Selphie sighed as she began her lecture all over again. This time she handed Squall a pen and a piece of paper and told him to write down everything he thought was important, that way she could tell he was listening.
"I'm sorry Selph. I just don't get this type of stuff. I never understood girls. I mean Rinoa is my first girlfriend and all. I was honestly paying attention; it just went in one ear and out the other. I do care what you have to say," Squall apologized after she finished telling him what a girl wants out of the relationship. He really did want to understand girls, they were just too complicated. He looked at Selphie wondering if she had anything else to say.
"Commander, I highly advise you to go to town and buy her something nice for the next time you meet. You will have to show her how much you have been thinking of her. I will organize something, so be on the lookout for a mysterious note or something like that, okay?"
"Yeah I think I understand."
"Rinoa loves rubies and amethyst. They are her favorite gemstones. For flowers she loves the see Baby's breath with white roses not red. She will gladly take any type of candy you give her. She may even offer you a piece, so buy something you both like."
"That sounds complicated."
"Nobody ever said life was easy. Now get to town."
As Selphie watched Squall walk out the door she wondered if anyone would ever love her. Everyone liked her as a friend. She was the girl everyone in the garden turned to for advice or emotional support, but no one ever came to her for a date. She knew why Irvine cheated on her. She wasn't girlfriend material; maybe, she was the one who needed a little help.
She walked over to her stereo and played her favorite song maybe she could get it out of her head before she went to go ask Quistis to help with her operation. She pressed play to blare "Beautiful Disaster" from her speakers. It described her life. It was the reason she listened to Kelly Clarkson songs, they were so real to her. She had finally found music she could connect with. "Beautiful Disaster," was definitely how she felt about Squall. He was a beautiful disaster looking to her for help. She sang along to the song as she looked at the lyrics in the CD booklet:
He drowns in his dreams
An exquisite extreme I know
He's as dumb as he seems
And more heaven than a heart could hold
And if I try to save him
My whole world could cave in
It just ain't right
It just ain't right
Oh when I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster
His magical myth
As strong as with I believe
A tragedy with
More damage than a soul should see
And do I try to change him
So hard not to blame him
Hold on tight
Hold on tight
Oh cuz I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster
I'm longing for love and the logical
But he's only happy hysterical
I'm waiting for some kind of miracle
Waited so long
So long
He's soft to the touch
But afraid at the end he breaks
He's never enough
And still leaves more than I can take
Oh cuz I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster
He's beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
Selphie walked into Quistis classroom. It was her day off and Quistis was grading papers nonstop. It wasn't unusual. Quistis was a work-a-holic. What did surprise Selphie was that Mr. Almasy was actually helping Quistis with her work. Selphie could barely breathe at the sight she saw. It seemed like the two were enjoying one another's company.
"Hey Selphie, Is there something I can help you with?" Quistis asked nonchalantly. It was either that she didn't know what was going on or that she actually liked having Seifer's help.
"May I speak to you privately please?" Selphie asked not taking her eyes off of Seifer. It had been only a few months since he was let back into the garden. There was no way she was going to ask Quistis in front of him. She could never trust him like that ever again. She couldn't understand how her instructor could.
"I'll leave. It seems I'm unwanted here," Seifer said standing up. He walked over to Quistis and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He grinned at Selphie as he walked out. He knew it pissed her off that he was hanging around with her friend, and he loved to piss her off.
"What the fuck was that all about?"
"I don't think I have ever heard you swear Selphie."
"Don't make me beat it out of ya Trepe."
"The newly single you is way too angry to have any social interactions."
"Seifer was…"
"He was helping me grade papers."
"Why?"
"So I could be ready for our date later."
"Rewind."
"It seems you have been too tangled up in Irvine to realize that Seifer is my boyfriend now."
"After all that he has done?"
"He has changed."
"Let me tell you, guys never change.'
"Well we have chemistry and he is a nice guy once you get to know him."
"No, he is the opposite of nice in every way."
"I like him."
"What is the real reason you came to see me Selph."
"I guess you have been too tangled up in lover boy to see the agony of your friends Quistis."
"Selph…"
"I am not talking about me. I am more over Irvine than ever before. It is over for good this time.'
"Then what are you talking about?"
"Squall and Rinoa are broken up, done, fineto, expired."
"I see, so why are you here?"
"I am going to get them back together."
Quistis set done the exam she was grading and looked firmly at Selphie. She knew how much Selphie cared for their friends, but there were some places a girl couldn't interfere in a relationship. Plus Quistis was to busy, to help Selphie play matchmaker. She knew that if she didn't stop the bubbly teen now, Selphie would walk right into disappointment.
"I have the perfect plan, but I can't do it alone. I need your intellectual help Quistis." Selphie pleaded, "You of all people should believe in forgiveness after all look at who you're dating."
"My love life is not in question here," Quistis replied sharply. She wasn't about to be persuaded by one of her students, even if it was one of her best friends. She had grown up with Selphie at the orphanage until they both entered different gardens. They were like sisters to one another. Quistis smiled at Selphie. Who was she kidding? If Selphie needed her help she would do whatever it took. She sighed, "What do you want?"
"I am going to send them both these beautifully crafted anonymous letters. It tells them to meet a mysterious person at the beach at 8 o'clock. It's an approximate time on when the sun will set. You and I will have a candlelit picnic set up for the two of them. I have arranged for a junior to place the invitations in a place where they will surely find them. I have even sent Squall into town to buy her a present."
"What about Zell?"
I have arranged a hot dog eating contest. He won't be able to pass it up. A chance to eat hot dogs for free, he wont pass it down."
"You sure have this all figured out don't you?"
Selphie nodded pleased at herself. She just wanted Squall to be happy. She knew Rinoa loved him. She knew that Rinoa was just confused and only needed to be reminded of why she loved Squall in the first place. Selphie was just the person to remind her.
"Fine I'll help you," Quistis said giving in to the tiny brunette in front of her. She couldn't believe at how Selphie had it all figured out. It was crazy because for the longest time she thought that Selphie liked Squall and Irvine was just a fill in guy. She thought that Selphie would go for Squall the first chance she got. Quistis loved how Selphie actually wanted to work things out for the split couple. It was a sign of maturity. She was proud of her.
Selphie hugged Quistis. She just knew this was going to work. When Selphie hugged Quistis she could feel a big but coming on. She knew Quistis wasn't going to help her for free. She looked at Quistis as a grin swept across the instructors lips. She was going her to death, Selphie could just feel it.
"If I help you, you have to help me." The instructor stated, "There was a drop out in the talent show. You are going to fill that spot." Quistis looked at Selphie. She knew the teen could sing, but she also knew Selphie had the biggest case of stage fright. She wasn't taking no for an answer. Selphie actually had what it took to win. Quistis was the coordinator of the event; it was the one thing she did beside teach every year. She was just amazed at how talented all her students were in various ways.
"Fine," Selphie gulped. She didn't want to do it, but she knew her friend would never allow her to say no. She hated singing in front of people. Selphie was always afraid of rejection. She was afraid of not being good enough. She smiled at Quistis and grabbed her hand they had work to do it was already 7:00. That meant they only had an hour.
They brought a glass picnic table with them. The garden always used it for special occasions. The two girls worked relentlessly for forty-five minutes. They laid out a white silk table cloth. In the center a flower collage of white roses and baby breath sat surrounded by two lit white candles.
In the distance they lit a grill to cook whatever the guests of honor had ordered off of Selphie's quickly made menus. They could choose whatever they wanted. Selphie and Quistis practically bought the grocery store when they stopped on their way to the beach. They almost thought they weren't going to get everything ready on time.
Squall arrived first. He was dressed in a tuxedo for the occasion. He had on black dress pants, black dress shoes, a white blouse and silk black vest under a black dress coat, and he even had his hair gelled back. He looked amazingly perfect.
"He sure does clean up well," Selphie whispered as she opened the bottle of champagne the two girls bought.
Quistis grabbed the bottle from Selphie and walked over to the table. "Hello Squall, may I interest you in a glass of the house's special wine of the evening?" Quistis asked as she noticed Rinoa arrive. "Well I better pour two glasses right away," She stated as she poured wine in Rinoa's glass first.
"Thank you," Squall said. He jumped up and ran over to pull out Rinoa's chair for her. Then he ran back to his seat and looked into her beautiful eyes. He wanted to run his hands through her raven hair again. He wanted to taste her lips as they melted into one another. He wanted to love her all night and all day for the rest of their lives.
Rinoa looked down at her plate and picked up her menu. She didn't want to look at Squall because it hurt her too much. She really did love him. She loved both of them. She made the biggest mistake of her life when she cheated on him. She just wanted to be wrapped up in his arms again. She knew they were meant to be together, but how could he ever forgive her. She also loved Zell and she didn't want to leave him heartbroken.
Quistis looked at the two people sitting in front of her. She had never seen such undying love. She didn't understand why the two of them would ever break up. She understood now why Selphie had wanted to get them back together so badly, because it was the right thing. They were soul mates. She looked at both of them and asked, "Do you know what you would like to eat already?"
Rinoa glanced at her menu one more time and nodded. She looked up at Quistis and handed her the menu. "I would like the Cajun chicken salad with ranch dressing please," Rinoa replied politely. She grabbed her napkin and folded it on her lap. She couldn't look at him.
"I will have the black steak please," Squall said digging in his pocket. He bought Rinoa a necklace when he went to town. The chain was made with rubies while he had "love you always" embedded in a white gold locket.
Quistis walked back over to Selphie and gave her the two orders. She noticed Selphie looking dreamily at Squall. She wanted to laugh at her, but she knew that would draw attention to the two of them. She just patted her friend on the back and started mixing up Rinoa's salad.
"Rinoa, I will always love you," Squall said as he finally found the box her necklace was in. He reached across the tabled and gave her the jewelry box. He just looked at her waiting for her to open it.
"I never meant to do what I did Squall," Rinoa replied. She was trembling as she reached for the black box on her plate. She knew he spent money to try and impress her. She slowly opened the box. He face lit up to see the beauty of her present. It even matched her red minidress. She smiled at him as she put the necklace on around her neck. "It is so beautiful," Rinoa said looking at him for the first time tonight.
"Nowhere nearly as beautiful as you."
"I'm so sorry Squall."
"Do you still love me?"
"Yes! I always will."
"Then come back to me. I promise I will try to be there for you more. I will do whatever it takes."
"It's not that simple Squall."
"Of course it is."
"I wish I could just come back to you, but things won't be the way they used to. We will have to start all over again."
"Then we can do that."
"What about Zell?"
"I don't love him!"
"I do! I know it is hard for you to understand Squall."
"No we belong together."
"We are young. We don't know if there is anyone else out there for us, because we never looked."
"We don't need to look."
"I just think that we need to take a break from one another. Maybe we are meant to be together, but I want to be sure."
"I am sure."
"Squall, I just think we should try being friends for awhile."
"I don't want to be just your friend."
"Maybe, then after we have dated around, we will know we belong together."
"I love you Rinny!"
"Oh, Squall…"
"Don't do this to me Rinny."
"This is for the best Squall."
Quistis walked up with the meals they ordered. "Enjoy your meal if you need anything else just ask," she said as she poured more wine. She looked at the two of them sadly and walked away.
"This is not for the best, it can't be,' Squall said cutting his meat. He looked at Rinoa. He was pleading her with his eyes. He wasn't too proud to beg. He was going to win back her heart.
"Look I just think that we should date around. See if we are compatible with anyone else. I love you, but I feel incomplete with you. I just want to see what that feeling is supposed to mean."
"It means we should get married."
"Maybe but I have to be sure."
"Do you feel empty with Zell?"
"No," Rinoa cried at she mixed her salad with her dressing. She couldn't say anymore as she felt the tears build up in her eyes. She couldn't stand to hurt him.
They ate silently forever. It seemed like the silence would never end. They even sat there after they had finished their meals. Quistis walked up and broke the silence. "Would you like dessert we have a great selection," she asked eying both of them.
"No," Rinoa said taking off her necklace and putting it back in the box. She smiled at Squall and stood up. "I have to be going soon anyways. Thank you for the wonderful dinner," Rinoa said as she hugged Quistis and started walking to her car.
Squall sighed as he shook his head no to answer Quistis' question. He was more hurt than if he had just died. He felt like someone had just squeezed the life out of him. He just sat there. Then for the first time in his life he let his instructor see him cry.
Quistis walked back to Selphie. She smiled at the young brunette who wanted to know what had happened Selphie had already packed everything in the coolers again then loaded them up in the garden car they used. Quistis packed the rest of the stuff except the table.
"Looks like you can go home now," Selphie said. She smiled at her friend. They tried. Selphie just knew that now she had to try something else. She couldn't stand to see Squall so broken hearted.
"I think you should try to give him the love you have for him. I think that is what he truly needs." Quistis said as she hugged her friend goodbye, "I know that you crush on him. He needs to forget about her. It may even make her jealous to see that is what he really needs. You would be helping all three of you.
Selphie watched Squall walk to the rocks at the edge of the water. She grabbed the table and stuffed it into the car. It appeared that Quistis had purposely left only enough room for one person to fit in the garden car. Selphie just glared at her friend. She wanted to love Squall, but only if he would love her back, and she knew he would never love her back.
"Well see you in class tomorrow," Quistis said running to the driver's side of the car. She hopped in the car before Selphie could even open her mouth to protest. Then before Selphie knew it, Quistis sped off and back to the garden.
Selphie slowly walked over to Squall. She didn't know if she had what it took to comfort him. She did however notice that her song popped in her head again. She started singing the second verse of her song.
"You have a beautiful singing voice," Squall said as he turned around to see her dancing at the shoreline.
"Sorry," Selphie apologized quickly. She walked over to comfort him but he just started to walk away. She followed him. After all she needed a ride home, even though she wouldn't be looking forward to hanging with the old Squall.
"I take it Quistis couldn't give you a ride back?" Squall asked with no emotion he was sick of people. He hated everyone. He wouldn't give his heart to anyone else just to get it broken again.
"Squall?" Selphie asked as she climbed into his SUV next to him, "Can I tell you something?"
AN: Thanks to all of you who read the first chapter. It took me awhile to even get an idea for the second one because I demolished my brain with my finals. So sorry for the delay. I hope you enjoyed the second chapter.
